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THE ART OF BREWING THE PERFECT CUP OF ASSAM TEA

Table of Contents

The North East of India is renowned for its natural beauty, rich cultures, and one of its most beloved treasures—Assam Tea. Whether you’re enjoying a misty morning overlooking rolling tea gardens or savouring a warm cup while planning your next adventure, Assam Tea brings a distinctive touch to the moment. But what goes into making the perfect cup of Assam Tea? Let’s dive into the nuances and steps to achieve an exceptional brew.

Types of Assam Tea and Their Characteristics

Before diving into the brewing process, it’s essential to understand the different varieties of Assam Tea. Here are the main types:

Black Assam Tea

Known for its bold, malty flavour, this type is perfect for those who love a robust, full-bodied tea. It’s often used as a base for English Breakfast blends. Black Assam Tea can be further categorised into:

  • CTC (Crush, Tear, Curl): This variety is processed by crushing, tearing, and curling the leaves into small, uniform pellets. It brews a strong, brisk cup and is often used in masala chai or served with milk and sugar.
  • Orthodox: This includes both broken and whole leaf varieties. Orthodox teas are processed more delicately, preserving the leaf’s structure and resulting in a more nuanced flavour profile. Broken leaf orthodox tea offers a balanced, strong brew, while whole leaf tea produces a richer, more complex cup.

Green Assam Tea

Lighter and more delicate, green Assam tea offers grassy notes and a subtle sweetness. It’s ideal for those who prefer a milder tea experience.

White Assam Tea

The rarest of the three, white Assam tea has a gentle, floral profile and is known for its smoothness. It’s less processed and retains more antioxidants.

Brewing the Essence of Assam- a guide for each type

The key to a great cup of Assam Tea lies in the brewing technique. Each type has its ideal brewing process to bring out the best flavours.

1. Black Assam Tea

  • Water Temperature: 95-100°C (just boiled)
  • Tea Quantity: Use one teaspoon of loose-leaf tea per cup.
  • Steeping Time: 3-5 minutes, depending on your preference for strength.
  • Serving Suggestions: Black Assam tea can be enjoyed plain or with a splash of milk and sugar.
    • CTC (Without Milk): Use 1/4 teaspoon per cup to avoid an overly strong brew. Steep for 3-4 minutes. Add lemon and honey for a refreshing twist.
    • CTC (With Milk): Use one full teaspoon per cup. Steep for 4-5 minutes, then add milk and sugar to taste. (Avoid adding honey in milk tea.)
    • Orthodox (Broken Leaf): Steep for 3-4 minutes for a balanced flavour.
    • Orthodox (Whole Leaf): Steep for 4-5 minutes to enjoy its complex flavour, best served without milk.

2. Green Assam Tea

  • Water Temperature: 75-80°C (let boiled water cool slightly before pouring)
  • Tea Quantity: Use one teaspoon per cup.
  • Steeping Time: Steep for 2-3 minutes to prevent bitterness.
  • Serving Suggestions: Best enjoyed plain or with a touch of lemon for added freshness.

3. White Assam Tea

  • Water Temperature: 70-75°C (allow boiled water to cool further)
  • Tea Quantity: Use 1 to 1.5 teaspoons per cup.
  • Steeping Time: 4-7 minutes to draw out its subtle flavours.
  • Serving Suggestions: Typically enjoyed plain to savour the gentle floral notes.

Refreshing Assam Iced Tea (1 Litre)

For warm days, a refreshing iced tea can be the perfect pick-me-up. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients

  • 4 teaspoons of CTC Assam tea
  • 1 cup of boiling water (250 ml)
  • 3 cups of cold water (750 ml)
  • Lemon slices, mint leaves, and sugar (to taste)

Instructions

  1. Pour 250 ml of boiling water over the CTC Assam tea leaves to create a strong brew.
  2. Let it steep for 3-4 minutes, then strain the tea into a 1-litre pitcher.
  3. Add about 750 ml of cold water to dilute to your preferred strength.
  4. Mix in lemon slices, mint leaves, and sweeten with sugar as desired.
  5. Serve over ice and enjoy a refreshing litre of Assam iced tea!

Final Tips for the Perfect Assam Tea

  • Use Fresh Water: Fresh, cold water holds more oxygen, which enhances the tea’s flavour. Avoid re-boiling water for the best taste.
  • Mind the Steeping Times: Assam tea can become bitter if over-steeped. Follow the recommended times to enjoy a balanced cup.
  • Experiment with Additions: While Assam tea is delicious on its own, try adding a slice of lemon, a touch of honey, or a pinch of fresh ginger for variety.
  • Storage: Store Assam tea in an airtight container away from light and moisture to keep it fresh.

Discovering the Perfect Assam Tea for You

Every tea drinker’s palate is unique, so don’t hesitate to experiment with different types and preparation methods. Whether you prefer the intensity of CTC tea in a chai blend or the nuanced flavours of whole leaf Assam sipped slowly, making Assam tea is an art that anyone can master with practice and passion. Follow these steps, and you’ll be on your way to enjoying a cup that truly brings out the essence of Assam—a land as vibrant and robust as its tea.

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